For the healthcare industry, Latin America is a focus. As demand for NGS testing in cancer diagnosis and genetic screening is set to rise, businesses in the region are now prioritizing supporting laboratories to improve their NGS-testing capabilities. And laboratories are likely to focus on affordable solutions and improving sample-processing speeds.
As MGI builds its global strategic layout, it has expanded its DNA sequencing and laboratory automation products available in Latin America, collaborating with various local top distributors and labs. In witnessing the growth of the LATAM market, we want to hear more voices from the LATAM community. Therefore, we have interviewed a few employees from MGI LATAM team. Today, we are about to share the story of Fernando Banos, who is the Field Service Engineer responsible for the after-sales technical services in MGI LATAM. As a senior engineer, he has accumulated rich experience in dealing with biological instruments. In this interview, he will mainly talk about his working experience at MGI and insights about the NGS technology in LATAM.
Q: Can you tell us more about yourself and your work at MGI?
A: I am an Electronic Engineer working with Molecular Biology instruments since 1997. I have held roles as Field Service Engineer, Supervisor, and Service Manager, but I love working directly with instruments. At MGI, my role as FSE is to ensure that Applications and Sales teams don’t worry about the instruments sold. I focus on solving problems and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Q: As a senior engineer in the biotech industry, what first motivated you to enter the field?
A: Entering this field was more a coincidence than a decision, but I was motivated by daily challenges, fixing instruments, and making customers happy. Being recognized as a professional engineer kept me in the industry and shaped my lifelong career.
Q: Can you describe a typical day and the main responsibilities of an FSE?
A: I communicate regularly with LATAM distributors, helping them solve problems and teaching them to work independently with instruments. This ensures they can handle most issues themselves.
Q: You worked in other biotech companies before. Why did you choose MGI?
A: MGI approached me, and I was attracted by the challenge of working with cutting-edge Chinese instruments and the team spirit. The team trusts my experience, allows me to make decisions, and prioritizes customer satisfaction.
Q: What fascinates you most about your current job?
A: Solving instrument failures, learning about new instruments, and sharing that knowledge with distributors and co-workers. I love being “the one” who solves problems.
Q: What do you think makes a great engineer?
A: A great engineer understands customer needs and helps them feel confident with the instrument. Customer happiness equals company happiness.
Q: You have been promoting NGS technologies across LATAM. What is your proudest moment?
A: Being recognized as a trustworthy engineer. Customers often mention me to the sales or FAS teams even before purchasing MGI instruments. Receiving positive service feedback makes me feel proud.
Q: Compared with NGS in developed countries, how do you feel about LATAM?
A: NGS adoption in LATAM is challenging due to limited research investments. Some labs can buy instruments but struggle to maintain them. IVD is still growing, and affordability remains an issue, so customers often purchase from abroad rather than locally.
Q: What do you think of MGI’s technologies in LATAM?
A: MGI faces challenges but has the willingness and resources to be recognized as a leader in NGS. The company invests in instruments, R&D, and customer support, and is open to changes that drive growth. However, progress in LATAM is slower than in developed countries.
Q: What do you do to relieve stress?
A: I love riding my motorcycle!
